The Chicago Bulls (23-23) visit the Indiana Pacers (11-36) in an Eastern Conference matchup as the Bulls look to build on a strong recent stretch against a struggling Pacers team desperate for a win at home. Chicago, sitting 8th in the East, has shown defensive improvements but faces challenges with frontcourt depth. Indiana, near the bottom of the conference, boasts solid home scoring but has been plagued by injuries and defensive lapses. This game could turn on three-point shooting and rebounding, with potential for a Bulls blowout if their offense clicks or a Pacers upset if they capitalize on home energy.
Venue Location
The game will be played at Gainbridge FieldHouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This 17,274-capacity arena, opened in 1999 and renovated in 2021, is the home of the Pacers and known for its modern amenities and passionate fanbase during key Eastern Conference matchups.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM EST (4:00 PM PST / 12:00 AM GMT on January 29).
Recent Team Forms
The Bulls have been on a roll, posting a 5-1 record in their last 6 games before a recent loss, with a +5.2 point differential in that stretch. They’ve won four in a row prior to a 129-118 defeat to the Lakers on January 26, averaging 112 PPG while allowing 110. Coby White (23 points) and Ayo Dosunmu (20 points) led the way in that loss, highlighting improved guard play and three-point shooting (38%), but rebounding remains an issue (42 per game).
The Pacers are struggling, going 1-4 in their last 5 with a -8.0 point differential. They snapped a three-game losing streak with a 117-114 win over OKC on January 23 but fell 132-116 to Atlanta on January 26. Jarace Walker has started in place of injured players, averaging 114 PPG but conceding 122. Their three-point defense ranks bottom-5 (38% allowed), but home scoring is solid (118 PPG at Gainbridge).
| Team | Last 10 Record | Points For (Avg) | Points Against (Avg) | Streak |
| Chicago Bulls | 6-4 | 112.0 | 110.0 | L1 |
| Indiana Pacers | 2-8 | 114.0 | 122.0 | L1 |
Injury Report
Injuries are heavily impacting the Pacers, while the Bulls deal with depth issues.
Chicago Bulls:
Noa Essengue (F, shoulder): Out for the season (underwent surgery).
Zach Collins (C, toe): Out (right 1st toe injury).
Overall: Two key absences thinning the frontcourt, forcing reliance on guards like White and Dosunmu.
Indiana Pacers:
Tyrese Haliburton (G, Achilles): Out (torn right Achilles tendon; season-ending).
Quenton Jackson (G, ankle): Questionable (ankle injury).
Bennedict Mathurin (G, thumb): Questionable (thumb injury; status to be determined after practice).
Overall: Multiple absences in the backcourt, leading to starts for Jarace Walker and potential minutes for Johnny Furphy and Ben Sheppard.
Key Player Matchups
This Eastern Conference tilt features intriguing battles across the court.
Coby White (Bulls G) vs. Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers G): White’s scoring (23 PPG) vs. Haliburton’s playmaking (out, so replacement like Jackson or Sheppard; matchup shifts to Bulls advantage).
Ayo Dosunmu (Bulls G) vs. Bennedict Mathurin (Pacers G): Dosunmu’s versatility (20 PPG) challenged by Mathurin’s athleticism (questionable, so potential mismatch if out).
DeMar DeRozan (Bulls F) vs. Pascal Siakam (Pacers F): DeRozan’s mid-range (25 PPG) vs. Siakam’s two-way play (20 PPG, 8 RPG).
Nikola Vucevic (Bulls C) vs. Myles Turner (Pacers C): Vucevic’s rebounding (12 RPG) vs. Turner’s rim protection (2 BPG).
Key X-Factor: Jarace Walker (Pacers F) could exploit Bulls’ frontcourt injuries with his starting role (team-high in recent win).
Series History
The Bulls and Pacers have a storied rivalry, with Chicago holding a 107-106 edge in 213 regular-season meetings. Indiana has won 4 of the last 5, including a 114-110 victory in 2025. Average total points: 215.6, with overs hitting in 3 of 5. In Indianapolis, the Pacers are 3-2 in the last 5 vs. Bulls.
| Last 5 Head-to-Head Games | Date | Result | Total Points |
| Bulls @ Pacers | 11/15/2025 | Pacers 114-110 | 224 |
| Pacers @ Bulls | 10/20/2025 | Pacers 105-102 | 207 |
| Bulls @ Pacers | 03/10/2024 | Bulls 120-118 | 238 |
| Pacers @ Bulls | 12/05/2024 | Pacers 112-108 | 220 |
| Bulls @ Pacers | 02/28/2024 | Pacers 115-110 | 225 |
Betting Trends
Spread: Chicago is 14-9 ATS on the road; Indiana 10-15 ATS at home. Over/Under: The over has hit in 6 of Indiana’s last 10 home games and 5 of Chicago’s last 10 overall. Trends: Pacers 4-1 in last 5 vs. Bulls; Bulls 3-2 in last 5 road.
Game Odds
Chicago Bulls – 2.5
Indiana Pacers 236.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026
